Given the series’ success, any title that features an open world city, a crime-based plot and police chases draws inevitable comparisons with Grand Theft Auto. While many such titles fail to match Rockstar’s franchise, Ubisoft now has an offering that not only rivals GTA but also stands to best it.
C.O.P: The Recruit goes one better over March’s ambitious and critically acclaimed GTA: Chinatown Wars. Rather than taking the top-down perspective, the game boasts a fully 3D open-world realisation of New York City that runs at a smooth 60 frames per second – an accomplishment that’s more than a little rare on the DS.
And the city is far from empty. Ubisoft has promised a bustling and vibrant New York, with pedestrians wandering the streets, constant traffic on the roads, night and day cycle, and varying weather effects.
C.O.P: The Recruits technical achievements are enough to make it stand out from the competition and Ubisoft will be proudly promoting these to the more traditional gamers among the DS’ demographic. The publisher will also be targeting gifters this Christmas.
“At launch, C.O.P: The Recruit will be primarily led by specialist PR, bolstered with some tactical online advertising,” says brand manager Matt Benson.
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“Nearer to Christmas, the game will form part of a heavyweight Ubisoft DS range campaign aimed at driving awareness amongst gifters, aimed at people aged between 16 and 34.
“November is always a competitive period. Given the success of Combat of Giants and Combat of Dragons, we believe that COP: The Recruit is a great addition to the DS boys’ market, and we firmly believe it has its place as a great stocking filler this Christmas.”
ON THE BEAT
The story follows former underground street racer Dan Miles as her joins the Criminal Overturn Program – conveniently abbreviated as C.O.P.
While investigating a series of terrorist attacks against New York, his mentor is falsely arrested. Miles is forced to go undercover and resume his life on the streets, where he discovers a dangerous conspiracy plotting a devastating attack against the city.
The narrative is spread across 60 missions, promising over 20 hours of gameplay. As players progress they can explore the handheld Big Apple at their leisure, engaging in high-speed pursuits or intense gunfights with the scum of the city, with all the gameplay elements gamers expect from a game of this highly popular genre.
The DSCreate Preview’ functionality has also been used to bring in a number of features that will truly make gamers feel like part of a citywide law enforcement agency. Using the stylus and the PDA-style interface, players will be able plan and launch SWAT team assaults, set up road blocks, summon an ambulance and access New York’s camera system to locate your targets.
“C.O.P: The Recruit received numerous awards at this year’s E3 and Gamescom,” adds Benson.
“The quality of the title is undoubtedly there. It’s also unique as we’re the only full 3D sandbox action adventure on the DS, complete with vehicles, gadgets and weapons. Of course, it’s safe for the younger DS gamer, being a 12+ PEGI-rated title.”
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